Tips to get your home ready for fall

Fall is right around the corner, which means that it’s time to start thinking about completing your summer home maintenance checklist. If you still haven’t written a list of things you want to complete before the cold weather hits, now is the time to start. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some routine home maintenance items you should consider putting on your list before fall sets in.

Put Away Hoses

It may not seem like a big deal to leave your garden hose out during the winter because you won’t be using it, but neglecting to put your hose away for the winter can actually cause damage. Your hose could cause water to back up and wreak havoc on your plumbing. To winterize your hose, turn of the shutoff valve on your water supply line that goes to your hose, then unplug and drain your hose completely before putting it away in storage.

Care for Your Gutters

Because they’re located above our heads, our gutters are often overlooked when it comes to home maintenance. However, caring for your gutters is important because if left unattended, they can clog up and cause damage to your roof and foundation. Take some time to clear away any debris such as twigs and leaves that may have built up in your gutters throughout the year.

Inspect Your Roof

You don’t want to wait until the middle of winter when there’s a problem to go up on your roof. Use the good weather as an opportunity to give it a good inspection for any rust spots on your flashing, or any cracked, buckled, missing or loose shingles. If you notice any inconsistencies in your roofing, have it taken care of immediately to avoid leaks during the winter.

Clean out Your Garage

If you own a garage, then you know how easily stuff can accumulate. Leaving piles of stuff in your garage not only makes it harder to move around and keep your vehicles, but it also provides a place for vermin to nest during the winter. Give your garage a thorough cleaning and sell or donate any items that you may no longer use. Hang tools, put other items in their place and sweep out your garage so it’s clean and ready for winter.

Put Away Your Mower

A piece of summer advice for homeowners is to have your mower serviced before putting it away for the year. Leaving your mower in your garage over winter without taking proper measures to winterize it can cause damage and potentially even shorten your mower’s life span. Get your mower ready for winter by picking up some fuel stabilizer at the store and topping off your mower’s gas with some fluid to keep the engine in good condition. You should also remove and clean the spark plugs and remove and built up grass or gunk from underneath the mower deck.

Service Your Furnace

With colder weather around the corner, your furnace is likely going to be working overtime to keep your home warm. Get it ready for fall by scheduling an appointment to have it serviced. Routine maintenance ensures that your furnace is in good condition and may even save you money on your monthly heating bills.

Prep Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you should also give it a good inspection to be sure that there are no obstructions or issues inside the flue before you starting using it for the fall season. If you notice any damage, call a professional to have any issues addressed before you use it to prevent any potential safety hazards.

Take Care of Landscaping

Get the trees and plants around your home ready for fall weather by pruning back any branches around your home so that they are no closer than 3 feet to your house. This will help keep moisture out and discourage pests from invading your home during the fall.

These quick, easy projects can be completed in plenty of time for the fall. Add them to your to-do list and prep your home so it’s ready for the change of the seasons.